The mother-daughter bond often starts early.
Typically, mother-daughter relationships are rooted in deep emotional bonds. This bond often starts early, with mothers nurturing and caring for their daughters, guiding them through the formative years. Daughters, in turn, look up to their mothers as role models and confidantes.
In the spirit of the upcoming International Women’s Day on March 8, we asked four women to pen a letter for their daughters and this is what they said:
African Wildlife Foundation Program Design Officer Margaret Ogeto during an interview at her home in Naivasha Road, Nairobi on February 25, 2025.
Margaret Ogeto, Daughter: 34
My Dearest Daughter,
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, my heart overflows with love and pride for the remarkable woman you have become. This letter is my gift to you—a collection of whispers from my heart to yours. Even after the celebrations fade, may it remind you always of the special woman you have become and what place you occupy in my heart.
Above all else, know this; my love for you is unwavering, unconditional, and limitless. No matter where life takes you, you will always have a home in my heart— where you are cherished, celebrated, and safe. There is nothing you can do to lessen my love for you; it is a constant, a steady flame that burns through all of life’s seasons.
Watching you grow from the first day into the strong, compassionate, and brilliant woman you are today fills me with immense pride. You chase your dreams with passion, grace and kindness.
Dear daughter, life will test you, and the world may not always be fair but never forget the fire within you—the resilience, intelligence, and courage that make you unstoppable as I have seen you grow from level to level.
Life, my love, weaves into hardships, triumphs, and setbacks. Trust yourself. Listen to the whispers of your heart, for they will guide you when the world is uncertain. Embrace change. It is the only constant in life. Those who learn to flow with it will always find new opportunities. Keep learning and growing. Every experience—whether painful or joyful—shapes you into the person you are meant to be. Don’t sit there and cry, keep moving.
In a world that often demands too much, never forget to care for yourself. Your mind, body, and soul deserve as much attention as the dreams you pursue. Rest when you need to. Protect your peace. Chase joy without apology. Always remember that self-care (body, mind, and soul) is not selfish—it is necessary and requires you to make every effort.
Love, in all its forms, is a beautiful and powerful force, but never forget that you deserve kindness, respect, and happiness. In friendships, in family, in romance—choose people who uplift you, celebrate you, and honour the incredible person you are. Never shrink yourself to fit into someone else’s idea of love. You are enough just as you are.
Follow your dreams boldly and without fear. Find work that ignites your soul and allows you to make a difference. But remember, success is not measured by titles or wealth. True success lies in fulfilment, in knowing that your work aligns with your values and brings you joy. Chase ambition, but never at the expense of your happiness.
Life will not always be easy, my love. There will be moments when you doubt yourself when the road ahead seems uncertain. But you are stronger than you think. See challenges not as barriers but as stepping stones to your greatest achievements. Let failure teach you, not define you. Rise, always, and keep moving.
Oh, my sweet girl, the memories we have made—the laughter, the lessons, the late-night conversations—are among my most cherished treasures. Being your mother is my greatest joy. No matter how far you go or how much time passes, know that I am always here, cheering you on, believing in you, and loving you endlessly.
Our family is built on love, resilience, and kindness—values that have shaped us for generations. Carry them with you. Pass them on. Let your life be a reflection of the strength, warmth, and wisdom that run through our lineage. On this International Women’s Day, and every day, never forget how deeply loved you are, how capable you are, and how much the world needs the light only you can shine.
Go forth and conquer, my daughter. The world is waiting.
My prayer for you is "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."(Numbers 6:24-26).
Mom
Pauline Midamba, 43 year old Banker in February 2025 in Nairobi.
Pauline Midamba, Daughter: 14
Dear Amy,
Today I celebrate you—my beautiful, intelligent, and kind-hearted daughter. You are the strength and the light in my life, and every day, I am grateful for the joy and love you bring into our home.
From the moment you came into this world, something was born in me. I immediately became a ‘mama bear’ – I wanted to protect you with all my being. How could so much goodness be packaged in such a tiny being? I knew it would be my girl and me forever.
Your love for God, your kindness to those around you, and how you care for your younger brother show me that you are growing into an extraordinary young woman. Your brilliance in school is a gift, but even more precious is your heart—your ability to see the good in people, to stand firm in what is right, and to give love without expecting anything in return.
As you continue to grow, I want to share a few lessons that I have learned:
God is Constant. Remember our house joke, ‘Use Dust as constant K’? well mamaa, God is the constant K in life. In every season of life, He will be your guide, your protector, and your greatest source of strength. Lean on Him, stand in Him.
Always believe in yourself. You can be anything you set your mind to. Never let doubt or fear stop you from pursuing your dreams.
Kindness is strength. The way you care for others, especially your brother, is a rare and beautiful gift. Keep that kindness—it will open doors, build relationships, and make the world a better place.
Work hard, but take care of yourself. Your drive makes me proud, but always remember that true success comes from balance. Take time to rest, to dream, and to enjoy life’s simple moments.
You are fully known and fully loved beyond measure. No matter where life takes you, know that I am always here for you, cheering you on, believing in you, and loving you unconditionally.
Amy, you have a beautiful, limitless future ahead of you. Keep being the incredible young woman you are, and never forget how special you are to me and the world.
As International Women’s Day approaches, my wish for you is that you grow into a phenomenal woman of impact. I have seen your reliance and commitment to your goals and these, I know will take you to high places.
Thank you for making motherhood the greatest blessing of my life.
With all my love,
Mom
Beatrice Muthoni, 48, shares her sentiments in a letter addressed to her daughter ahead of the International Women's Day 2025.
Beatrice Muthoni. Daughter: 24
My dear beautiful daughter, you have been a true blessing in my life. Watching you grow, mature, and start to discover the world on your own has been an absolute joy and privilege. I could never have imagined how much happiness you would bring into my life.
From the moment you were born, I knew my life had changed forever. I have cherished every single moment of nurturing you, teaching you, and witnessing the beautiful individual and responsible girl you have become. Your kindness, strength, and incredible intelligence are things I admire every single day.
Your courage to be out there in this challenging world has always filled me with pride because the world can sometimes be overwhelming, but the joy of seeing you take care of yourself, make thoughtful decisions, and grow into a responsible individual has been one of my greatest rewards.
As a mother, it is incredibly fulfilling to know that you are developing the tools and wisdom you need to face the world and I give All glory to the Almighty God.
However, as a mother and best friend, I want to share some advice that I hope you will carry with you. My daughter, Always put God first in whatever you do. We are living in a world filled with beauty and chaos. There will always be noise and distractions around you, and some of it may try to pull you away from the values that we hold dear. But I want you to know that the most important thing in life is staying true to yourself, remembering the love and morals that have shaped you, and never letting the chaos of this world steal your peace. At the same time, I know at your age, so many influences surround you. Some of them will not be in your best interest. I ask you to trust your heart, listen to your inner voice, and never forget the values that make you the wonderful young lady you are.
I also want you to be a role model to your young siblings. You are so precious to me, and I wish nothing but the best for you. Again, I want to see you grow into a strong, compassionate, and wise woman.
My daughter, remember you are never alone. I am here, always guiding and supporting you as you navigate this journey, always loving you unconditionally. Keep working hard, stay kind, and always be true to your own heart. I will always be proud of you, and in me, you have an eternal home. Never forget that.
With all my love,
Your mother
Muthoni Karuga during the interview at her home. She encourages her daughter to follow her passionand never be afraid to take chances.
Muthoni Karuga. Daughter: 6
Dear sweet daughter,
As I sit here, I am filled with so many emotions. My heart swells with love and gratitude for the amazing person you are becoming. I wanted to take a moment to remind you of just how deeply you are cherished, not just by me but by everyone around you. I hope to provide you with all my learnings so that I may guide you toward a path of acceptance, love, and freedom.
Sometimes, I stare at you and wonder if I will unknowingly make any damaging mistakes. I don’t want this fear to complicate my role as a mother. I am not seeking perfection but just a chance to raise a girl into a woman who is independent, confident in herself, and lives with so much love and passion. One who surrounds herself with positive people who care, love, support, and inspire her.
You are the definition of unconditional love. Being your mother is effortless and you make each passing day brighter.
Always know that everything I say or do is because I love and care for you. As much as I am here to teach you, you are also here to teach me. I have learned so much from you and the most astonishing thing is that I have learned so much about me since you were born.
I am proud of so many things in life, but nothing beats being a mother to you. I am amazed by your sensitivity and pure heart. Your understanding and happiness. Your beauty truly runs deeper than the eye can see, and your energy is contagious. You make me a better person- someone who strives to live life each day with an open heart, with more understanding and with more acceptance of myself.
I know there will be times when life feels tough or overwhelming, but please always remember that I am here for you. No matter what happens, I will always have your back. I accept every part of you. Always know that I am very proud of you. You are strong, intelligent, and capable of achieving whatever you set your mind to.
Your heart is kind, and your dreams are worthy. You can create a life full of meaning, love, and purpose. Follow your passion and never be afraid to take chances. You are braver than you think, and I believe in you more than words could ever express. I am here to love and support you always.
When you feel small in this big world, just be still. Find your centre; it will lead you to calmness, and this is where all answers are found. Trust your gut and instinct. I promise you it will never lead you in the wrong direction. Love yourself FIRST before anything. Be kind to yourself and know that the most important person in this world is YOU. Take care of yourself so you can then extend some of your loving energy outward.
I pray that you seek God’s wisdom and understanding. Ask God for wisdom, He gives generously.
Today, International Women’s Day might not be a day you recognise, but one day when you come of age and read this letter, may it remind you of your phenomenality.
I know the time will come when the pages of my life end but I know that you will be one of its most beautiful chapters. For this, I am forever grateful.
Love, Mom
